By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
The G.W. Long Rebels traveled to Goshen on Friday night. They returned home with a convincing 42-3 victory over the Eagles, using a balanced offensive attack and a strong defensive performance to control the game from the opening kickoff.
The Rebels scored twice in the first quarter and never looked back, taking a 14-0 lead after the opening 12 minutes. G.W. Long added two more touchdowns and a field goal in the second quarter to take a 28-3 advantage into halftime.
Preston Williams led the Rebels’ offense, accounting for four touchdowns. The quarterback completed all three of his pass attempts for 82 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing six times for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams opened the scoring with a 43-yard touchdown run, followed by a 16-yard touchdown pass to give the Rebels their early 14-0 advantage.
After Goshen’s Zion Picatoste connected on a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter, Williams answered with a 31-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 21-3.
G.W. Long added another touchdown before halftime on a 47-yard rushing score, then pushed the advantage to 35-3 when Williams connected with Braxton Faircloth on a 19-yard touchdown pass.
Jacob Pruiett provided the Rebels’ final touchdown in the third quarter, breaking loose for a 62-yard touchdown run.
G.W. Long finished the night with 398 total yards, including 275 rushing yards and 123 passing yards. The Rebels also recorded 15 first downs and converted their lone third-down opportunity.
Pruiett finished with 62 rushing yards on one carry, while Braxton Phipps added 42 yards on two carries. The Rebels also received 63 rushing yards from the rest of the team.
Through the air, Faircloth led G.W. Long’s receiving corps with 19 yards and a touchdown on one reception. T. McLeod had the team’s longest reception, hauling in a 47-yard pass.
The Rebels’ defense limited Goshen to 159 total yards, including 151 rushing yards and just eight passing yards. G.W. Long also recorded an interception, while several players contributed to the defensive effort.
Jace Garrett led the Rebels with six tackles and eight assists. T. McLeod added four tackles and two assists, while Preston Williams recorded two tackles, three assists, and a tackle for loss.
The victory moves G.W. Long to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in Class 2A, Region 2 play. Goshen falls to 0-7 overall and 0-4 in region competition.
The Rebels return home next Friday to host Geneva County in another Region 2 matchup.
